First, I want to provide a flash update on my pants. I had the chance to check out some fabric over the weekend and have included some swatches above (a lycra and a couple polyesters). At this point, there is not much more to report on as I need to outfit myself with patternmaking utensils and finalize my sketches.
Second, I'd like to introduce my backpack project, which I plan to work on concurrently. After my Jansport broke a few months ago and considering the fact that backpacks can be difficult to pair with business attire, I have been brainstorming ideas for a better backpack that is minimally designed and compact but still able to meet the requirements of work.
Of late, backpack collaborations, launches and coverage have become ubiquitous, with Mr. Porter naming it a "Trend" (here) along with graphic sweaters, pinstripe suits and cuffed trousers. The Business of Fashion wrote a comprehensive piece not too long ago, admitting that while fashionable backpacks are not necessarily a new concept, they have been become much more prevalent among high-end brands, who use more luxurious materials and demand a higher price tag (e.g. Alexander Wang and Phillip Lim both boast backpacks near the $1,000 price point) (BoF).
Consciously designed backpacks at a more reasonable price point have also become commonplace. Herschel Supply Co. has been successful in reproducing vintage-inspired hiking packs and travel bags at attractive prices. Eastpak has collaborated with acclaimed designer Raf Simons to bring its traditional backpack silhouette up market. Companies are doing some exciting things blending technical features within an artistically-minded design as well. Activity-centric brands like Hammarhead Industries, Mission Workshop and Outlier are introducing some very thoughtfully designed as well as durable backpacks.
I am personally most excited about brands like Haerfest and KILLSPENCER. Both have a very keen appreciation for design, artistic inspiration, function and beauty. Haerfest recently sat down for an interview (here) and their immersion into their art and influences was evident.KILLSPENCER, which started as a personal project to make “the perfect sustainable and waterproof backpack,” today continues to produce immaculately crafted bags, shown by their latest daypack collection which couples clean design with thoughtful interior organization (picture below).
Despite all the excitement around backpacks, I still wonder if and hope that there is more that can be done. Mission Workshop is pushing the boundaries around storage and functionality, creating packs with detachable accessories and expandable features that allow bags to double in capacity. Similarly, Cote et Ciel has pushed backpack design and functionality with their rucksack, incorporating multiple compartments and a very organic appearance. That said, I believe that there is more opportunity to innovate around shape (in a vein similar to but perhaps not as progressive at Cote et Ciel), organization (having more pockets, sleeves and compartments so that all of the things you carry have a place) and wear (having the optionality to wear as a traditional backpack, messenger or briefcase with all three looking natural). I'll plan to elaborate on more specific thoughts and ideas in coming posts.
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